Read more at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lee-hsien-yang-on-plans-for-oxley-road-house-8956630
(Updated: )
Ricky Lim ·
Mr Lee Kuan Yew is not any other private citizen.
Historical events that takes place in Oxley House is not about private matters.
It is all about Singapore.
Historical critical meetings are held in Oxley House - that determine the fate of Singapore - all Singaporeans' fate.
Thus Oxley House is more than a private matter.
It is Singapore's Heritage, Singapore's future, Singapore's lives - you and our lives - 6 million Singaporeans and future descendants - million more.
Hence Oxley house is more than private matters, it is also a National matter - a matter that will involve the top highest decision making - the Cabinet.
Historical events that takes place in Oxley House is not about private matters.
It is all about Singapore.
Historical critical meetings are held in Oxley House - that determine the fate of Singapore - all Singaporeans' fate.
Thus Oxley House is more than a private matter.
It is Singapore's Heritage, Singapore's future, Singapore's lives - you and our lives - 6 million Singaporeans and future descendants - million more.
Hence Oxley house is more than private matters, it is also a National matter - a matter that will involve the top highest decision making - the Cabinet.
Ricky Lim ·
Ricky Lim · Singapore
And Oxley House by de-facto - has become a Cabinet meeting place ---- a Nation's meeting place of the highest decision maker - the Cabinet - that have determine the birth of modern Independence Singapore.
Oxley House have become the de-facto - the National "Crisis Situational Room".
Oxley House have become the de-facto - the Nation "Command and Control Nerve Centre" - that have lead Singapore out of many crisis after crisis - that is life threatening to all Singaporeans.
Hence Oxley House is more than a private House.
Oxley House has also become a National Heritage.
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And Oxley House by de-facto - has become a Cabinet meeting place ---- a Nation's meeting place of the highest decision maker - the Cabinet - that have determine the birth of modern Independence Singapore.
Oxley House have become the de-facto - the National "Crisis Situational Room".
Oxley House have become the de-facto - the Nation "Command and Control Nerve Centre" - that have lead Singapore out of many crisis after crisis - that is life threatening to all Singaporeans.
Hence Oxley House is more than a private House.
Oxley House has also become a National Heritage.
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Ricky Lim ·
Think carefully if you really want to demolish it.
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Ricky Lim ·
In ancient time, there is an Enlightened Zen Master.
He has many disciples who dutifully comply with his training practices of meditation - except one who cannot sit still in the meditation class.
The ancient Zen Master then reprimand this disciple for not listening to his instruction.
This disciple say, what you have taught me in the meditaion - I already know.
I have seen things beyond what you have taught me.
The whole meditation class laugh - and the Master say, if you can't sit still in meditation, then how have you seen things beyond what you have taught me.
The Zen master then tell him to come forward - and without saying any more words "Tap his shoulder with a Dharma Discipline "cane" 戒棒.
The whole meditation class disciple laugh - mocking this disciple for being disciplined by this Zen Master and for being "cocky - that he has seen things beyond what the Zen Master have taught him."
But the disciple being beaten by the Zen Master - instead of being sad and unhappy - was full of joy in his Heart.
At 3am, this disciple go to the bedroom of his Zen Master and knock at his door.
The Zen Master say "come in".
When the disciple went in the room, the Zen Master asked "why do you come to my room at 3am?"
The disciple say "Master, I have understood your Zen. You have beaten me 3 times on the shoulder with the Dharma Discipline Cane, your underlying meaning is asked me to come to you at 3am."
The Zen Master then say "Disciple, you are the only person in the Meditation Class that can fully understood my underlying meaning --- ie. Zen.
Throughout my life in teaching Zen, many disciples follow instructions blindly and faithfully by understanding the superficial, on the surface - words, and actions --- without Deeper Wisdom. Hence, it is very difficult for these disciples to attain the Higher Wisdom of Enlightenment ---- because they are too attached to words and actions that can be seen or heard superficially.
Zen is understand the Dharma Teachings with the "Heart" --- the unsaid Words, Actions and Thoughts ---- which is the Higher Wisdom, the Enlightenment".
The Zen Master then say to the Disciple --- "I have nothing more to teach you.
Your attainment - Your Enlightenment is now Equal to Mine.
You can be a Zen Master now".
(In other words, this disciple is a Leader - who don't just listen to blind order and comply.
The rest of the disciples are followers - who are still unable to understand the deeper Wisdom, and hence are still unEnlightened).
What make them so ---- "too attached to Ego". "too attached to someone they adore as Hero, his words and actions" and thus become "Ignorance" - and unable to gain Enlightenment.
He has many disciples who dutifully comply with his training practices of meditation - except one who cannot sit still in the meditation class.
The ancient Zen Master then reprimand this disciple for not listening to his instruction.
This disciple say, what you have taught me in the meditaion - I already know.
I have seen things beyond what you have taught me.
The whole meditation class laugh - and the Master say, if you can't sit still in meditation, then how have you seen things beyond what you have taught me.
The Zen master then tell him to come forward - and without saying any more words "Tap his shoulder with a Dharma Discipline "cane" 戒棒.
The whole meditation class disciple laugh - mocking this disciple for being disciplined by this Zen Master and for being "cocky - that he has seen things beyond what the Zen Master have taught him."
But the disciple being beaten by the Zen Master - instead of being sad and unhappy - was full of joy in his Heart.
At 3am, this disciple go to the bedroom of his Zen Master and knock at his door.
The Zen Master say "come in".
When the disciple went in the room, the Zen Master asked "why do you come to my room at 3am?"
The disciple say "Master, I have understood your Zen. You have beaten me 3 times on the shoulder with the Dharma Discipline Cane, your underlying meaning is asked me to come to you at 3am."
The Zen Master then say "Disciple, you are the only person in the Meditation Class that can fully understood my underlying meaning --- ie. Zen.
Throughout my life in teaching Zen, many disciples follow instructions blindly and faithfully by understanding the superficial, on the surface - words, and actions --- without Deeper Wisdom. Hence, it is very difficult for these disciples to attain the Higher Wisdom of Enlightenment ---- because they are too attached to words and actions that can be seen or heard superficially.
Zen is understand the Dharma Teachings with the "Heart" --- the unsaid Words, Actions and Thoughts ---- which is the Higher Wisdom, the Enlightenment".
The Zen Master then say to the Disciple --- "I have nothing more to teach you.
Your attainment - Your Enlightenment is now Equal to Mine.
You can be a Zen Master now".
(In other words, this disciple is a Leader - who don't just listen to blind order and comply.
The rest of the disciples are followers - who are still unable to understand the deeper Wisdom, and hence are still unEnlightened).
What make them so ---- "too attached to Ego". "too attached to someone they adore as Hero, his words and actions" and thus become "Ignorance" - and unable to gain Enlightenment.
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Pierre Leo
Historical event also happened at National theatre, and what happened? Land is still empty unused till now!
Ricky Lim ·
Ricky Lim · Singapore
But the elder Lee, who is credited with transforming Singapore from a backwater entrepot into one of Asia's richest countries, feared the house could turn into a monument.
He is said to have wanted to avoid the kind of personality cult that can develop around strongman leaders.
--
I think Singaporeans fully understood Mr Lee Kuan Yew's 苦心 - his concern, his worries - that Meritocracy should be the values and principles in grooming Leadership and not through personality cult or dynasty.
Or let everyone see it from a different perspective :-
(1) If we do not build monument, should we knock down Sir Stamford Raffles statue? (and forget about our history as British colony and bustling port)
(2) If we do not build monument, should we knock down the Merlion statute - and forget about our history of Lion City, the Sang Nila Utama, the name called Temasek.
(3) If we do not build monument, should we knock down the World War 2 Peace monument at City Hall?
(4) If we do not build monument, should we knock down the old Supreme Court that feature the Colonial style building architecture?
(5) In the same vein, should we knock down the Sun Zhong Sun villa, the Alkaff mansion, the Peranakan Museum?
Then Singapore will has no more heritage - only HDB flats, MRT and tall commercial buildings.
Then what is Singapore's identity? What is Singapore Heritage?
HDB flats?
MRT?
I think many Singaporeans are supportive of demolishing the House for the following reasons :-
(1) Oxley House is a private property. The owner will have the right how should this property be handled and Govt should not step in.
(2) It is found in Mr Lee's will and has legal power to execute the Will.
(3) Many Singaporeans are fearful that even if Mr LKY's will can be overriden by Govt, then how about private citizens' house and property?
I think the above reasons are valid.
However, let us view it in another perspective :-
(1) Is Oxley House worth preserving?
Is it a historical significance - where many crucial historical events have taken place in the Oxley House worth preserving through Conservation as Heritage?
Singapore during the 1960's have witnessed life threatening situation, the fate of Singapore hangs in the balance, people are despair and fear for their future.
(a) British pullout - Singapore has no future which are so dependant on British's jobs.
(b) Singapore breakaway from Peninsula - Singapore has no more hinterland, even water supply is a big issue - and Singaporeans may die from thirst if not properly handled and trade is cut off.
(c) Racial riot
(d) Blood revolution to achieve a non-capitalist economy and political system
(e) No armed forces to protect Singapore
etc etc etc
---- all the above crisis over crisis - are resolve and overcome in the Oxley House.
So should Oxley House be conserved as a Heritage - to inspire future Singapore Leaders, Singaporeans - when we encounter future insurmountable crisis - that nothing is impossible to achieve.
The following declaration resonate in the Oxley House :-
"Today Singapore is a marsh land, a swamp. 10 years down the road - we will build Singapore to be a cosmopolitan city. A 1st class developed nation !"
Future Singapore Leaders can set foot in the Oxley House when encounter insurmounable crisis and make this statement :-
"Our Pioneer Leader has build Singapore to become a 1st class nation from nothing.
Today we face an unsurmountable crisis. We are at a better stake than when we are in 1960s where we have nothing.
With grace from Oxley House, we can overcome this crisis and make our Nation better !"
This is the real reason - why we should keep Oxley House - as our Heritage (not personality cult, not dynasty).
(2) To allay the fear of Government taking over private property for Conservation, I believe Government will be willing to pay market values as compensation to property owner and ensure that property owner will be no loss.
(3) A private will - has legal power if properly written. Now it is whether beneficiaries that benefit from the Will are willing to negotiate, understand the significance of the House and compromise with Deep Wisdom and Big Heart - to accept Government compensation and offer Oxley House as Heritage as argued in point (1) above.
This is meant to benefit the 6 million Singaporeans and future descendants.
But the elder Lee, who is credited with transforming Singapore from a backwater entrepot into one of Asia's richest countries, feared the house could turn into a monument.
He is said to have wanted to avoid the kind of personality cult that can develop around strongman leaders.
--
I think Singaporeans fully understood Mr Lee Kuan Yew's 苦心 - his concern, his worries - that Meritocracy should be the values and principles in grooming Leadership and not through personality cult or dynasty.
Or let everyone see it from a different perspective :-
(1) If we do not build monument, should we knock down Sir Stamford Raffles statue? (and forget about our history as British colony and bustling port)
(2) If we do not build monument, should we knock down the Merlion statute - and forget about our history of Lion City, the Sang Nila Utama, the name called Temasek.
(3) If we do not build monument, should we knock down the World War 2 Peace monument at City Hall?
(4) If we do not build monument, should we knock down the old Supreme Court that feature the Colonial style building architecture?
(5) In the same vein, should we knock down the Sun Zhong Sun villa, the Alkaff mansion, the Peranakan Museum?
Then Singapore will has no more heritage - only HDB flats, MRT and tall commercial buildings.
Then what is Singapore's identity? What is Singapore Heritage?
HDB flats?
MRT?
I think many Singaporeans are supportive of demolishing the House for the following reasons :-
(1) Oxley House is a private property. The owner will have the right how should this property be handled and Govt should not step in.
(2) It is found in Mr Lee's will and has legal power to execute the Will.
(3) Many Singaporeans are fearful that even if Mr LKY's will can be overriden by Govt, then how about private citizens' house and property?
I think the above reasons are valid.
However, let us view it in another perspective :-
(1) Is Oxley House worth preserving?
Is it a historical significance - where many crucial historical events have taken place in the Oxley House worth preserving through Conservation as Heritage?
Singapore during the 1960's have witnessed life threatening situation, the fate of Singapore hangs in the balance, people are despair and fear for their future.
(a) British pullout - Singapore has no future which are so dependant on British's jobs.
(b) Singapore breakaway from Peninsula - Singapore has no more hinterland, even water supply is a big issue - and Singaporeans may die from thirst if not properly handled and trade is cut off.
(c) Racial riot
(d) Blood revolution to achieve a non-capitalist economy and political system
(e) No armed forces to protect Singapore
etc etc etc
---- all the above crisis over crisis - are resolve and overcome in the Oxley House.
So should Oxley House be conserved as a Heritage - to inspire future Singapore Leaders, Singaporeans - when we encounter future insurmountable crisis - that nothing is impossible to achieve.
The following declaration resonate in the Oxley House :-
"Today Singapore is a marsh land, a swamp. 10 years down the road - we will build Singapore to be a cosmopolitan city. A 1st class developed nation !"
Future Singapore Leaders can set foot in the Oxley House when encounter insurmounable crisis and make this statement :-
"Our Pioneer Leader has build Singapore to become a 1st class nation from nothing.
Today we face an unsurmountable crisis. We are at a better stake than when we are in 1960s where we have nothing.
With grace from Oxley House, we can overcome this crisis and make our Nation better !"
This is the real reason - why we should keep Oxley House - as our Heritage (not personality cult, not dynasty).
(2) To allay the fear of Government taking over private property for Conservation, I believe Government will be willing to pay market values as compensation to property owner and ensure that property owner will be no loss.
(3) A private will - has legal power if properly written. Now it is whether beneficiaries that benefit from the Will are willing to negotiate, understand the significance of the House and compromise with Deep Wisdom and Big Heart - to accept Government compensation and offer Oxley House as Heritage as argued in point (1) above.
This is meant to benefit the 6 million Singaporeans and future descendants.
Like · Reply · 27 mins
Pierre Leo
Yet you keep talking with so much attachment…
You need to go to your meditation more…best… stay!!!
You need to go to your meditation more…best… stay!!!
Teo Huai Wei Edmund
No wonder LKY wants it demolished. He knows there are siao gias like this one.
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 hrs
Ricky Lim ·
Ha Ha Ha Ha
Both Pierre and Edmund indeed belong to the majority of the unEnlightened disciples.
Mr Lee KY being the 1st Prime Minister and lawyer-trained who enacted the Conservation law - Preservation of Monuments - will have know that his Will will be overriden by the Preservation Law and his Will though have legal power - will be preceded by the Preservation Law.
This is the real Zen.
Oxley House qualified to be of historical significance value - and will be gazetted by the Preservation Law and forbade demolition. The will will be render ineffective.
Thus, Mr Lee KY is the Zen Master.
The PM is the Zen Master.
The Cabinet committee presiding over the Heritage is Zen Master.
Both Pierre and Edmund indeed belong to the majority of the unEnlightened disciples.
Mr Lee KY being the 1st Prime Minister and lawyer-trained who enacted the Conservation law - Preservation of Monuments - will have know that his Will will be overriden by the Preservation Law and his Will though have legal power - will be preceded by the Preservation Law.
This is the real Zen.
Oxley House qualified to be of historical significance value - and will be gazetted by the Preservation Law and forbade demolition. The will will be render ineffective.
Thus, Mr Lee KY is the Zen Master.
The PM is the Zen Master.
The Cabinet committee presiding over the Heritage is Zen Master.
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Ricky Lim ·
Those who understand Mr Lee KY underlying meaning and intention - of his Will - are true Zen Master.
The PM knows.
The Cabinet knows.
Majority don't know.
Thus the PM, the Cabinet - are Leaders.
Majority are followers.
"So can critical issues - be subjected to real democracy?"
----- May not be.
Because Real Insight, Deep Wisdom with Big Heart ------- belongs to a few rare Zen Masters.
The PM knows.
The Cabinet knows.
Majority don't know.
Thus the PM, the Cabinet - are Leaders.
Majority are followers.
"So can critical issues - be subjected to real democracy?"
----- May not be.
Because Real Insight, Deep Wisdom with Big Heart ------- belongs to a few rare Zen Masters.
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Pierre Leo
If you really think Singaporeans fully understood Mr Lee Kuan Yew's 苦心 - his concern, his worries… respect him when he was around, and still respect him, should respect his will?
Peter Lim ·
Ricky Lim Think carefully about defying LKY's death wish
Paul Goh ·
This is a quotation from "Observer.news" from an article entitled 'The Lee family does not get to decide if LKY's home can be demolished.' by Tressa Lars posted on June 15, 2017. "Amidst the conundrum, it is important to understand that although LKY's will is legally binding in the arrangement within the Lee family, it does not supersede Singapore's preservation law."
Teh Hong Low ·
Paul Goh If that is the understanding, DPM Teo, Goh CT should not be repeating that it is a private matter and let it rest. They should tell us that it is not a private matter. Every citizens has the right to know. Bear in mind that LHL first reply to LHY is that it is a private affair.
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